Dundo - The commander of the Border Guard Police (PGF) in Lunda-Norte province Francisco Deia reiterated on Tuesday that the BGP is stepping up the fight against illegal immigration, given the outbreak of cholera in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as fuel smuggling and diamond trafficking.
Speaking to journalists on the state of readiness of the forces along the border with the DRC, Francisco Deia assured that the Guard Police has the technical and transport resources to carry out effective inspections.
The commander called on the population to collaborate, especially the traditional authorities, denouncing the "illegal routes” used by immigrants and those who aid immigration to be held civilly and criminally responsible.
He also said that in 2023, 5,537 border violations were recorded, which resulted in the arrest of 25,900 foreigners from the DRC, accompanied by 4,440 children, who after administrative procedures were repatriated to their country.
The police chief added that during the same period, around 719 Angolan citizens were prevented from entering the DRC illegally.
Francisco Deia said that 480,000 liters of fuel had also been seized for smuggling, whose final destination was the DRC.
The border between Lunda-Norte (Angola) and the DRC is 770 kilometres long, of which 120 are by river and 650 by land. JVL/HD/DAN/AMP
